PORTSMOUTH, N.H. (AP) — A former congressional candidate from New Hampshire who faked his disappearance after a 2006 car accident has been granted a "felon exception" to sell liquor at a function hall.

The Portsmouth Herald reports (http://bit.ly/PqReb6) Gary Dodds, owner and manager of The Pearl function hall, requested the exception from state law that bars convicted felons from serving as designated persons in charge of places serving alcohol.

The law allows exceptions approved the state Liquor Commission if no less than six months have passed since the felon was placed on parole or probation, and if they "led an exemplary life."

Dodds served jail time for falsifying evidence, causing a false public alarm and leaving the scene of an accident prosecutors said was staged to boost his flagging campaign.